Construction Management
B.S.

The commercial construction industry represents almost 8 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product, while the entire construction industry represents 20 percent of the nation’s GDP. Because of this economic importance the industry is very competitive. Also, there are many small firms whose presence increases competition. With more construction companies bidding on jobs, organizations with the best-prepared professionals using the latest technology are the most successful. This competition applies not only to contractors, but also many others involved in construction operations such as engineers, human resource managers, and material and equipment suppliers. People engaged in this industry must have state-of-the-art skills and knowledge to thrive. Environmental concerns are incorporated within the program by addressing workplace safety, environmental impact evaluation, and codes concerning structural, fire, and hazardous material requirements. Emphasis on environmental and personal safety includes asbestos mitigation, noise pollution, air monitoring and sampling techniques.  Energy efficiency in buildings is studied based upon the New York state energy conservation code and federal guidelines. Legal and social aspects are integrated into the program in the later stages.

The construction management degree program prepares students for management careers in the construction industry. The objectives of the program are twofold: 

1. to study the various methods used to take a design into the field and construct a quality structure in the most efficient and effective manner with minimal environmental impacts
2. to provide an understanding of basic engineering and environmental considerations in construction.

Students learn the behavior of a wide variety of construction materials, including wood and engineered wood products, and study the analysis of various structural components and systems. Courses include:

• construction safety
• construction equipment
• construction methods
• building codes and zoning
• specifications
• planning and scheduling
• estimating
• construction management
• structural analysis
• soil mechanics
• wood structure and properties
• composite materials
• computer applications

A Concentration in Sustainable Construction and Renewable Materials provides optional coursework in green construction practices, innovations in residential construction, energy efficiency, material utilization in green construction and green entrepreneurship.  Students who choose the concentration in Sustainable Construction and Renewable Materials are preparing themselves for careers that encompass sustainable construction management, the use of green building materials, including solid and engineered wood products, and the environmental impact of materials and construction.  Essential knowledge for sustainable construction and renewable materials includes:

1. Physical and mechanical properties of sustainable materials
2. Trends in construction related to the use of renewable wood products and other sustainable building materials
3. Production of solid wood and wood-based composite products in relation to their use in sustainable construction
4. Environmental impact of wood and other materials used in construction

Graduates of the construction management program are well prepared for careers in a very challenging and dynamic field. Positions held by alumni include:

• construction project manager
• safety director
• project engineer
• construction engineer
• field engineer
• planner/scheduler

Students may enter the bachelor of science program as first-year students or as transfer students. Students who are preparing to transfer to ESF as juniors must have earned at least 62 credits of college coursework, in courses comparable to the lower-division course requirements. For complete coverage of the major, including a listing of Undergraduate Program Requirements, please refer to the ESF College Catalog.